"Windows 11 Bug? How to Fix the Issue of Unusable Search Function in Windows 11"

The majority of them have downloaded the new OS – Windows 11, which is praised for its fresh look and smooth gaming experience. However, there are some issues along the way, with some users complaining that the Windows 11 search function isn't working. Hence, in this article, you can find 7 quick fixes to resolve the issue of the Windows search bar not working.

Quick Fix:

Solution 1: Check for Windows 11 Updates
Solution 2: Run the Windows 11 Search and Indexing Troubleshooter
Solution 3: Restart the Windows Search Service
Solution 4: Restart Your Windows 11 Computer
Solution 5: Rebuild the Windows 11 Search Index
Solution 6: Check if Windows Search is Running
Solution 7: Upgrade HDD to SSD with Partition Master

Fix 1: Check for Windows 11 Updates

Windows 11 receives updates, and you can choose to get the latest ones to ensure your computer runs smoothly. Try this quick fix and follow these steps to check for updates:

Step 1: Click the Windows icon, then select "Settings."

Step 2: Select “Update & security” from the panel.

Step 3: Click on Windows Update, and then click Check for updates.

Check for updates

If your Windows is up to date, you can use Repair tool 2 to run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter.

Solution 2: Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter on Windows 11

Windows 11 also retains the same quick indexing feature as Windows 10. To fix issues with the Search Bar not working in Windows 11, you can run the "Search and Indexing" troubleshooter to fix any problems.

Step 1: From the Start menu, choose Settings.

Step 2: Search for "Troubleshooting" in the search box.

Step 3: Scroll down and select Other troubleshooters.

4. Under Find and fix other problems, select Search and indexing, and then click the Run troubleshooter button.

Fix 3: Restart the Windows Search service

1. Click the search icon and type Task Manager in the search box.

Step 2: When the Task Manager window appears, click on the Details tab.

Step 3: Under Name, scroll down and find SearchUI.exe. Right-click SearchUI.exe, then click End task.

Step 4: Confirm that the program has ended.

The next time you search, Windows Search will automatically restart. If restarting Windows Search doesn't fix the problem, try restarting your Windows computer.

Fix 4: Restart your Windows 11 computer

When faced with unknown issues in a device, a common solution is to restart it. If the "Restart Windows Search" method didn't work for the search function in Windows 11, try restarting your device and check if the search feature is functioning properly.

To restart your computer, click the “Start” icon in the taskbar, then click the Power icon and select Restart.

Fix 5: Rebuild Windows 11 Search Index

If neither of these restart options resolves the issue where Search is not running, you can try rebuilding the search index.

Step 1: Click on the search icon in the middle toolbar. Type "Control Panel" and open it.

Step 2. Go to Indexing Options > Advanced > Troubleshooting, and click the Rebuild button.

Step 3: Click OK and confirm the Rebuild Index dialog box.

Solution 6: Check if Windows Search is Running

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc, then click OK or press Enter to proceed.

Step 2. Scroll down and find the Windows Search service. All services are listed in alphabetical order.

If its status is not listed as “Running,” right-click it, and select “Properties.”

Step 4. Under the General tab, go to Startup Type and select Automatic.

Step 5: Go to the Service Status section and click Start.

Step 6. Click OK to save your changes and test that Windows Search is working properly.

Solution 7: Use a Partition Master tool to upgrade HDD to SSD

The last solution to fix the Windows 11 search not working issue is to upgrade your hard drive. A better hard drive will make your computer run more smoothly. Honestly, Solution 7 can help you migrate Windows 11 to SSD without reinstalling Windows 11. With an advanced system disk, your device will perform better. What you need is a third-party tool - tools Partition Master.

AOMEI Partition Assistant allows you to better layout your disk, convert MBR to GPT, migrate OS between two disks, and clone source partition to target partition. It's recommended to backup necessary files on the target disk before using the “Migrate OS” feature, as it will delete your data and partitions.

Steps to migrate the operating system to an HDD/SSD:

Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, then select "Migrate OS" from the top menu. Choose the SSD or HDD as the target disk, and click "Next". Read the warning: Data and partitions on the target disk will be erased. Make sure you've backed up important data beforehand. If not, do it now. Then click "Proceed". Preview the layout of the target disk. Click "Start" to begin migrating the operating system to the new disk.

Note: If there is not enough unallocated space on the target disk, migrating the operating system to an SSD or HDD will delete and remove existing partitions and data on the target disk. Back up any important data to an external hard drive beforehand if necessary.

In summary

When the Windows 11 search function isn't working as expected, try these seven quick fixes. You can check for updates, run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter, restart the Windows Search service, perform a disk cleanup, and more.

Please read about the issue where the Windows 10 search function is not working properly: